Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, June 16, 2024.
In my sermon for this Sunday, we reflect on two of Jesus’ parables about growing seeds that humorously illustrate the divine power behind the growth of God’s Kingdom. A parable of a clueless farmer and the parable of the mustard seed both reveal how God’s work often goes unnoticed yet is unstoppable. We reflect on how even the smallest acts of faith and love can flourish and spread in unexpected ways.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Quietly accept the message planted in your hearts; it can bring you salvation. – James 1.21
Today’s Reading – Mark 4:26-34
Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”
He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- In what ways have you seen God working behind the scenes in your life, even when you may not have been aware of it? Reflect on specific instances where you felt guided or supported by a higher power, and consider how these moments might be connected to your spiritual growth.
- Can you identify any small acts of kindness, love, or faith that you’ve experienced or witnessed recently that seemed insignificant at first but grew into something much larger? Consider the role that God played in nurturing these seeds and think about how you can continue to scatter similar seeds in your own life and community.
- What unexpected places have you seen the Good News take root and grow, both within yourself and among others? Reflect on any experiences where the message of love and grace reached people or situations that seemed unlikely, and consider what lessons you might be able to learn from these encounters.
- In what ways can you embrace your role in God’s Kingdom in the world, scattering seeds of faith and kindness wherever you go? Reflect on any opportunities you have to share the Good News with others, whether through words or actions, and consider how you might approach these moments with greater joy, trust, and confidence.
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.